Good afternoon, Chicago.
On March 12, 2024, Laterria Smith’s phone buzzed with a text that was, according to Cook County prosecutors, like “something out of a horror movie.” It was an automated message from the Illinois Department of Corrections informing her that the man who had terrorized her since high school would be released from prison shortly after threatening her life, Cook County prosecutors said Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
One day later, they said, he barged into her Edgewater apartment, stabbed her 11 times and more tragically still, fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins. The prosecutors opened their case today in the trial of the alleged attacker, Crosetti Brand, 39, who is facing felony charges of murder, attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated domestic battery in slaying on March 13 of last year.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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After weekslong wait, piping plover Searocket returns to Chicago and partner Imani for the summer
A beloved Chicago mom celebrated a special day over the weekend with a return to Montrose Beach. Her name is Searocket and she is partner to Imani, the piping plover son of local celebrity pair Monty and Rose. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- The school board president is trying to nix the superintendent requirement. Why does it matter?
- Who will fill Dick Durbin’s US Senate seat in Illinois? Here are the candidates.
Former White Sox player Tim Anderson sells Flossmoor home to local school superintendent for $855,000
Tim Anderson had been one of the few Sox players in recent years to own a Chicago-area home. In Flossmoor, he and his wife paid $450,000 in 2017 for the home. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Urbana-based Carle Health to lay off 612 workers, as it winds down its insurance companies
- Dow jumps 950 and S&P 500 climbs 2.6% following a 90-day truce in the US-China trade war
Hailey Van Lith made the Chicago Sky’s 12-player roster. But why are there so few spots on WNBA teams?
The Chicago Sky made their last three roster cuts yesterday, finalizing the 2025 roster less than a week ahead of the team’s season opener against the Indiana Fever. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago Bears rookie camp roundup: How Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III are making an early impression
- Could the Chicago Bulls land the No. 1 pick — and Cooper Flagg? How the NBA draft lottery will work.
- 3 takeaways from the Chicago Cubs’ series loss, including Pete Crow-Armstrong’s HR vs. team that traded him
Cellist Lia Kohl finds music in the everyday. She’ll soon take a Union Station rush hour by surprise.
“Union Station Music,” takes over the Great Hall in a onetime performance on May 15, during rush hour. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Talking about mythology in the musical ‘Hadestown’: ‘It’s a sad song / But we sing it anyway’
- Review: It was a more poised and ready Sharon Van Etten at Salt Shed
House Republicans unveil Medicaid cuts that Democrats warn will leave millions without care
While Republicans insist they are simply rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse” to generate savings with new work and eligibility requirements, Democrats warn that millions of Americans will lose coverage. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
